Background: Blood transfusion plays a vital role in modern health care; however, local studies on the utilization of blood products intra-operatively, especially in elective gynecologic surgeries, are lacking. Objective: To determine the blood transfusion use during elective gynecologic surgical cases performed at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included data from patients admitted for elective gynecologic surgeries between January 2019 – December 2019. Pertinent data was gathered from the admission charts, preoperative laboratory results (hemoglobin levels, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time), blood bank records of deposited/donated blood and crossmatched units, anesthesia as well as intra-operative records, and medical charts. All abstracted variable were analyzed and transfusion indices were calculated. Results: Majority of the patients who underwent elective surgeries were from the general gynecologic service (60.4%), with abdominal hysterectomies comprising majority of the transfused patients. The calculated crossmatched-to-transfused ratio (C/T ratio) for pRBCs, FFPs, and PCs are 5.1, 7.6, and 19.7; the transfusion indices are 0.57, 0.44, and 0.17, while transfusion probabilities are 28.1%, 10.4%, and 4.2%, respectively. We found a significant association between transfusion status and primary service (p = 0.01), previous pregnancy (p = 0.02), preoperative hemoglobin count (p < 0.01), preoperative hematocrit (p < 0.01), postoperative hemoglobin count (p < 0.01), postoperative hematocrit (p < 0.01), and intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.01). Conclusion There is consistent over-ordering of blood products. Primary gynecologic service, previous pregnancy, preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, as well as introperative blood loss are factors associated with transfusion status.
Blood Transfusion ; Blood

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative transfusion for gynecologic surgery, when appropriately used, can improve patient outcomes. However, when utilized incorrectly, blood transfusion can worsen patient outcomes and increase patient cost. This study aimed to evaluate the blood transfusion practices of tertiary hospitals in the Philippines.

METHODS

The study utilized a cross-sectional design wherein prospective data were gathered through multiple sources across seven tertiary-level hospitals. Women admitted to undergo gynecologic surgery were recruited based on a set of criteria. A chart review was conducted, and blood utilization indices were calculated. Outcomes were compared between public versus private facilities and transfused versus nontransfused patients.

RESULTS

Among 514 patients, 79.7% underwent cross-matching and 75.1% received transfusions. Adverse events were rare, with no transfusion-related deaths. The overall crossmatch-to-transfusion ratio (C/T ratio) was 2.8, exceeding the 2.5 optimal benchmark; all public hospitals recorded a C/T ratio >2.5, whereas private centers had more efficient usage. Six hospitals met acceptable benchmarks for transfusion probability and transfusion index. Open abdominal procedures, particularly hysterectomy, accounted for the most blood used. Transfused patients had longer operative times, greater blood loss, lower preoperative hemoglobin, and more frequently involved resident physicians in training. Public hospitals recorded higher cross-match and transfusion rates, greater resident physician participation, and broader use of general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Results of the study highlight the importance of monitoring blood transfusion parameters to optimize blood utilization. The observed differences between public and private institutions in the country highlight the urgent need for standardized and evidence-based practice to ensure efficient transfusion protocols nationwide.

Human ; Female ; Blood Transfusion